There’s a lot of conversation right now about AI and specifically AI writing; what it can do, what it can’t, and what it means for search rankings.
Will Google penalize us for using AI? Can AI replace a writer? Will our content still show up in search?
These are fair questions, and the answer is more practical than dramatic.
AI content isn’t something Google punishes, they don't rank by who wrote a piece, they rank by the value it provides. If the content answers a real question, is organized clearly, loads quickly, and is accessible to all readers, it has a place in search results. If it’s shallow, repetitive, or vague, it won’t perform well, whether a person or an AI wrote it.
For many schools and small businesses, AI is a useful starting point. It helps break writer’s block, drafts ideas quickly, and gives structure when things feel scattered. But AI doesn’t see what your community cares about. It doesn’t understand the nuance in your policies, the expectations of your families, or the personality behind your organization. That’s where humans, your staff, your leadership, your lived expertise, still matter more than ever.
AI works best as a collaborator, not a replacement. It gives you raw material; people give it meaning. The strongest content blends both: consistent tone, accurate information, real examples, and clarity that reflects your mission. Google rewards that because readers stay longer, navigate easier, and come back more often.
You don’t need to avoid AI. You simply need to guide it. Make sure what you publish reflects your voice, your standards, and your community. When the foundation is solid, AI becomes another tool that helps you move faster without sacrificing quality.
So long story short, Google won’t penalize thoughtful content, but rewards it. What matters is the clarity, accuracy, and usefulness of what you put online, not the tool that helped you draft it. AI can assist the process, but your oversight is what makes the result trustworthy.
AI is here. It’s not replacing good writing, careful thinking, or clear communication, it’s making the work a little easier when used with intention.
